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Deion Sanders Sends Message on Shedeur Sanders After Number Change

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated May 8, 2025 3:48 PM ET

The 2025 NFL draft did not go as many envisioned it would for the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round pick, former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

The son of Deion Sanders and the AP All-American selection was widely viewed by the media as a potential top-five pick, but ended up sliding to pick No. 144. In addition to being the fifth quarterback taken overall, he was the second one taken by the Browns, who also drafted Oregon's Dillon Gabriel with pick No. 94.

Since Sanders wasn't necessarily a priority draft pick, his options appear to have been limited when it came to number selection with the Browns. His college No. 2 was already assigned to wide receiver/return specialist DeAndre Carter, leading to Sanders picking No. 12.

On Thursday, the team shared a video of Sanders seeing his locker for the first time, which also means it was likely the first time he saw his No. 12 jersey as well.

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It's an adjustment even his father is still getting used to.

"God is faithful! I know for a fact that smile is Genuine! Let's go #2 I mean #12. ," wrote Deion Sanders in the comment section.

With a quarterback room featuring Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, who will be contending for the starting role with the two rookies, there isn't a guarantee that Sanders will have a roster spot. However, the former Colorado quarterback who broke 100 school records will have an opportunity to compete, as expressed by general manager Andrew Berry.

"We expect every player to compete," Berry told ESPN. "Simple as that."

The Browns' minicamp will start Friday and will last a total of three days. While Sanders won't win the job at minicamp, he can begin to earn trust of the staff and teammates. Needless to say, this offseason could be critical for his NFL career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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